Hello, I'm a ranger at the Mendenhall and I'm so glad you mentioned the city bus (Capital Transit). It's exponentially cheaper, and it gives you control over how much time you spend with us. We hate how little time folks get at the glacier when they take excursions, so we love folks taking the city bus. Also, can I recommend the Alaska State Museum in Juneau? I am a historian and it's the best state museum I've ever seen.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Hi! Thanks for watching and adding your expert knowledge. Much appreciated!

@Richard2003

Жыл бұрын

I took that bus a few years ago while my friends wasted $600 flying in a helicopter over the glacier.

@deniseb5516

Жыл бұрын

Do you just catch the city bus at the pier to go see the glacier? I don't see any comments about whale watching in Juneau. Is it worth it?

@marik2665

Жыл бұрын

I live in Juneau. It’s my understanding it’s a $5.00 fee to access the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area whether you go in the visitor center or not.

@marik2665

Жыл бұрын

@@deniseb5516 there is a transit center downtown where you can catch the bus.

It is so very generous of you to collect and compile this information for us. I truly appreciate it very much! Love your channel and watch every single video.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and great to hear 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 please keep watching !

Juneau is my home town. I have a few additions to the budget Juneau excursions list. I would add the DIPAC hatchery with indoor aquatics exhibits and salmon in the fish ladder from late June through October ($5 admission and you can get pretty close with the city bus system, it's a few miles north of downtown). The Last Chance Mining Museum (check open hours, admission has been $5) is a fun stop for anyone interested in Gold Rush history. It is a couple of miles walk from the cruise ship docks to the museum in Perseverance Basin, which also has nice hiking trails and mining "artifacts" strewn around. Plus you pass the Mt Robert's trailhead on the way, so if you would like to hike to the Tram that would be doable on the way back from the museum. A few other fun options well north of downtown that require a car are the Shrine of St Therese (no admission fee) and the Arboretum (check hours) (no admission fee), and Eagle Beach ( it's part of an Alaska State Park) (no admission fee). Beautiful views and they are all reasonably near one another, so doable in an afternoon with a rental car.

We did a cheap tour with a local guide in Sitka and saw the raptor center, Fortress of the Bear, and the totem park. The tour guide had lots of local stories and a lunch recommendation away from the tourist spots. It ended up being one of our favorite stops, and we had absolutely nothing planned when we disembarked the ship. We did the glacier bus in Juneau, and I agree that the walk to Nugget Falls is an absolute must-do. We only had two "excursions" planned on the whole trip, and canceled both of them in favor of several things on your list. Dolly's museum on Creek Street is a hoot, and after walking that area we went back to the ship early. As a result we were some of the only people onboard to watch a small pod of orcas swim by!!

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this update. Great to hear you found things helpful and good to know about Sitka and the local guide tip!

We just got back from a cruise on the Westerdam. In Sitka, look for a very nice lady, Lauren, when you get off the ship. She will take you around in her Shuttle (The Sitka Shuttle) to sites for $25 a person. We went to the Raptor Center, the Totem Pole Park, the Science Center (Salmon Hatchery), the Cathedral, and we ate a fantastic Burger at the Burger & Crab Shack. We also went to the top of Castle Hill. All we had to do was call Lauren, and she picked us up and gave us some nice information about the area and dropped us off anywhere we wanted to go on her route. She also goes out to Fortress of the Bear. Fantastic!!!

@wise.owl33

3 ай бұрын

Great information, I tried to find Lauren on the web and did not see her. What is the name of her website?

Probably the best hint video I've ever seen, thank you Garry.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!!

Thank you so much for this, Gary! I am doing my first Alaska cruise in October and plan to do the expensive helicopter ride weather permitting- and then I know I might not really have a lot of other room to splurge! I have to admit that at first I thought your channel was just about luxury cruising, but I’m so glad I stuck around and watched more of your videos. You give the most excellent advice about all types of cruising, from super shoestring budget to luxury and everything in between! I genuinely find myself taking notes during most of your videos and have saved so much money from your tips and I am a budget cruiser! Your videos really provide so much value for everyone regardless of your budget. I know I’ll be studying this video and will be watching all of your Alaska content between now and my cruise! Thank you again for always spreading awareness about these money savings tips. All these activities truly look fun.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I do cover more premium end but make sure I have a wide range as much as possible especially on saving money as everyone wants to do that!!

@lexa_power

Жыл бұрын

@@tipsfortravellers it’s so much appreciated! The luxury content gives me bucket list ideas so I like watching everything ☺️

@halucca22

4 ай бұрын

Ditto to everything Lexa said! One of your videos advised monitoring cruise fares after I booked a cruise, and asking for reductions if the fare went down. Thanks to your advice, last year I reduced my Panama cruise fare by $1300 before I paid in full, got a credit for $1100 that I’m using for an Alaska cruise this October, and got a cabin upgrade before I even asked 🤯😍🚢🥳. Thank you for your superb advice and insight!

Just have to thank you for this video. I share it frequently with friends and strangers. I think a fair number of people don’t book because of excursion sticker shock and miss out on a wonderful adventure together. Thanks for taking the time to show that a wonderful Alaska adventure doesn’t have to break the bank. Kids grow up so fast; make memories with the budget you have 🚢

A massive thank you for this, Gary. We've never cruised and are still uncertain about it. So we've been binge-watching cruising videos - mostly yours and Ben & David's channel. Invaluable! Being UK-based means visiting European cities is relatively easy by train - and we love train travel. Alaska, however, is not so easy! We have family in Vancouver and now think a round-trip Alaskan cruise could be a great way to start - get over the jet lag for a few days with the relatives and then head to the ship. I was alarmed at the cost of excursions, though, and so was absolutely delighted to find this and the brilliant guide that I've downloaded. Thank you for all your excellent videos. :)

The Totem Heritage Center and museum in Ketchikan was amazing. My husband is a Veteran and we got in for free. We did leave a donation.

Just back from a 10 day cruise/Yukon Land Tour that began August 5th. In Juneau: Sealaska Heritage Institute was amazing. Juneau City Library was a great place for library lovers with a tremendous view. In Skagway: Note that the Klondike NPS rangers were NOT leading tours/talks right now. After wandering around in the rain with the crowds while waiting for the White Pass Yukon Railway train, we found a pleasant respite in the Skagway public library. Our train ride was at 12:40 and the skies cleared up as if on cue for us to see the grand views 😊. Thank you, Gary, for all your vital information!

Gary, your Alaska cruise videos are absolute “gold”. Just packed with solid useful info.

A marvellous contribution to cruise information. Cruise excursions are not cheap and to have information like this delivers on so many levels Thanks Gary

Exactly what I need, Gary, thank you! After 19 cruises to warm sunny shores I'm finally going on my first Alaska cruise this fall.

Thank you Gary for all of your informative videos and your generosity with this compilation.

Thank you Gary! Perfect timing. We’re going on our 4th Alaska cruise in June and have done most of the excursions. My Mom uses a wheelchair and I’m looking for easy local things to do. Love your vlogs!

This video was great! My husband and I loved our Alaska cruise last October and will probably be going back this year. We took the time while in Juneau to donate blood. We took the city bus down and back. We made appointments before we left home. It was wonderful! They were so friendly and we learned a lot about the area and where to go for the best food. Giving back to the people of Alaska made us feel wonderful in exchange for sharing their breathtaking state! It was a highlight of our trip.

my thanks Garry, Am doing an alska cruise fo mucor firsth time in september 2024, amd the prices of tours floored me, I just thought I'd sta on the ship, but you have given me so many alternatives, THANK YOU so much

Thanks Gary! Your tips were very detailed and really helped us to know what is available in each port and how to better prioritize.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the challenge! I enjoyed doing it. Though my Alaska series was costly as it made me want to go again and booked for 2024…

@HeatherTravels

Жыл бұрын

Ha ha! Occupational hazard ;)

Brilliant! Thank you for the helpful advice and maps!! Love your channel!!

Awesome download and information, thank you so much!

Those were wonderful suggestions!! Thank you 😊

We're taking our first trip May 10, 2024 on the Princess Discovery. We're celebrating our 45th anniversary early.

Thanks for this! What a great bunch of suggestions for people on a budget. Much appreciated ❤

Absolutely brilliant video. Thank you so much.

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing!!!

Great tips! Thank you for the video!

My wife and I live in Oregon so an Alaska Cruise out of Seattle is just a 4hr car ride away. Can't wait to go. Your videos are AWESOME !!!!

Terrific video. I love all these ideas.

Absolutely love this video-!great ideas!😎

This is a great video on the Alaska cruise ports. If we ever go back (been twice), I will refer to your page.

So very helpful to make the most out of each port! Love your channel Gary & I link it on FB very often when I see questions.

Wow, i could imagine you as a specialized personal travel guide....

Love your channel! The content is always very helpful 👍🏼😊

Thanks so much, this was very helpful as we are planning our first trip to Alaska!

I have seen all your videos about Alaska which have helped so much to plan my first trip. I’m very grateful to you.

Extremely helpful information!

I’m really enjoying your PDF. Thank you so much for providing it. Can’t wait for my trip in a few weeks.

Thank you soooo much. We are headed to Alaska next month and this is invaluable!

Thanks so much for all of your insight. We will be traveling to AK in September. So glad to have found your channel.

You have the most informative travel videos I'll be taking an Alaska cruise in August and I've written down your advice.

Excellent video. I will use these tips on my next Alaska cruise.

Wow that’s a excellent video we’ve never taken the tram so that was exciting to see from your eyes. Thank you.

Thank you so much for All this information!!!!!😊

Fantastic guide! We did many of these on our last Alaska cruise, but you mentioned some I didn't know about. Looking forward to my next visit! Thanks!

Gary, your tips are spot on. We've visited the ports a number of times plus I grew up in Juneau. We're headed back in late July.

Would love a version of this for Norway😊

Thanks, Gary😊 Brilliant resource for those on a budget, and anyone just wanting to self-explore some of these places. Learnt a lot!

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! If this proves popular I will look at other guides to go with videos where makes sense!

One thing to add in Sitka is Baranof Castle. It's a low hill in the center of town (basically across the street from where the tenders let off). It is a historical site dealing with when Russia sold Alaska to the US.

Hello Gary. I just got back from my Alaskan Cruise with Holland America and I took some of your advice. The tour or "blue bus" in Juneau for Mendenhall is now $75 per person and you only get 1.5hours to explore once you arrive at Mendenhall. The City bus is much cheaper at only $2 per adult and $1 per child. The ride takes about 45 minutes and it's about a 30 minute walk to the falls with the chance to see black bears and a panoramic view of the glacier before you enter the park. Another option that you didn't mention was taking a cab and that was only $45 each way. As for the Tram, it's $50 for the pass and if you walk up, you can take the Tram down for $20. The White Pass Train in Skagway was fun but some people took the cheaper option of going on the bus. Lots of great hiking trails in Skagway. In Ketchikan, we used the Walking Tour Map and had a great walk around town. We also took advantage of the free local bus that runs every 20 minutes and does a loop of the downtown. Thank you again for the advice.

@brandoline94

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing the updated info!

U rock!!! These excursion priced are nuts, I'm going to do these suggest.

Great tips as always, Gary! Sitka is my favorite port on Alaska cruises. The tour at the Russian Bishop's House is an absolute must!

Very helpful, thank you!

Very informative. Thanks.

Excellent video as always. Next May our family is doing a back to back 7 day cruises to Alaska. We're not nearly as budget constrained, but this just gives us a lot more great options to make the most of our port visits since we'll be visiting multiple ports twice.

Thanks so much for this video

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Finally doing our Alaska cruise after having to reschedule twice and of course we're also traveling on a budget. Took your advise and already got tickets for the Lumberjack show in Ketchican for my husband's birthday and it was a good savings from the cruise excursions cost.. Traveling at the end of August.. Again Gary thank you for your great information..

Thank you for this video!! Not only do I not need to stress about booking expensive excursions as much as I was, I need to make sure to find a cruise that has a port in Sitka because the birds and bears will be a must for us! Incredible info, thank you so much!

Watched this video 1 hour before boarding our NCL bliss on our 7 day cruise to Alaska. Very helpful video full of great tips !! Thank you! Lost of Love

We hiked to the top of Mt Roberts, bought something and took the free ride down. Great way to see Juneau!

Heather will now have a super lower cost trip. Great ideas -- I appreciate how specific you are in the suggestions.

We visited 6 ports in SE Alaska, and did free activities in most of the ports. We especially liked the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center in Juneau near and the NPS Historical Walking Tour in Skagway. Love your suggestions!

Very helpful, Gary. We now live within driving distance of both Vancouver and Seattle and are going on our first Alaskan cruise late May/early June 2024. We plan on cruising to Alaska a lot from now on since we don't pay for airfare. Your videos are informative, thank you.

Very helpful video! I always buy some excursions when I cruise, buy I don’t. like to buy them for every port. Alaska is definitely a little harder to plan for yourself. Ketchikan is especially great to explore on your own; love that port!

Perfect, thank you! We have some excursions booked, but nothing for most of the ports.

Gary, your video is awesome - thank you!! And very special Thanks to you for the downloadable guide - very helpful to have at hand!

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it all so helpful !

An incredibly helpful video! Thanks for all the information.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, great to hear!

Great info! Thanks.

Thanks Gary! I just got back from Alaska cruise and saved a lot by being my own tour guide and taking zero excursions. I did take blue bus to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau; visited museums in Skagway and Ketchikan; and enjoyed watching Bald Eagles and harbor seals in Prince Rubert Canada. Using my binoculars, I saw birds, otters, whales, seals and glaciers. Most of the time, excursions don’t live up to the price. 😊

@loveboatcruising

Жыл бұрын

Your video was exactly what I would have said and included. I’ll try to interpret Alaska 2023 and build my channel subscribers ❤️

This is an excellent resource! We are planning aa Alaska trip and are very interested in historical and cultural things to see.

Very good video. Thank you.

We are a larger group and opted to rent a minivan and drive to Whitepass and to Emerald Lake vs taking the train. Renting the van was $200 vs $150pp for the train ride. This was a huge savings as we are a group of 6. Great video!!!

Thank you so much!! We went on an Alaskan cruise this past June (2023) and did some of the excursions the cruise line advertised. We had fun BUT while we saw Endicott Arms, we did not go to Glacier Bay. I have booked another cruise for June 2024 that goes to Glacier Bay and will need some less costly excursions. Again, thank you for this video. I have printed the maps, written down your suggestions, and am going to enjoy another trip to Alaska!!

Thank you Gary. As always your VLOG is packed with great information. We’re super excited to do our first Alaska cruise next year. (We’ve only been on 1 other cruise) I love your videos. I’ve learned so much! Thank you so much. 🙏🏻😁

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, and great to hear! I hope you love Alaska! I love t and have booked to go again next year too!

Hey great video, I'm actually a tour guide at Totem Bight in Ketchikan and I noticed that all your information was correct but all the pictures and videos you shared were actually of saxman native village.

One my the vest videos you’ve posted and appreciate the helpful guide as well! My very first cruise was Star Princess to Alaska back in 2003, and I’m looking forward to returning next year. This information is right on time!

@tipsfortravellers

6 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Gary - There's no thumbnail for the next video. BTW, would love to see Victoria picks besides Buchart Gardens as well.

Great Video 😊

Thank you so much for the download, and for all the links and tips!! We are taking our adult kids to Alaska for a family vacation in August and budget is tight as excursions for four people add up quickly!

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Pleasure 👍🏻I hope you have a great trip

Thank you! This was very helpful, Gary. I'm going on an inside passage cruise May of 2024 and appreciate your thoughtful suggestions.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Thanks for watching !

I'm just back from an April-May cruise to Alaska and find your information complete and timely. The only points I may add are unrelated to exploring, namely, getting around (for those of us unable to walk much) and where and how to make the most of limited time ashore. To-wit: Once off the ship look immediately for scheduled free local transportation. Ask the locals. You can find inexpensive shops for almost anything away from tourist areas, even a shopping mall in Ketchikan. Use your phone nearly everywhere without having to pay exorbitant Wi-Fi fees on board. There are major bank branches as well in most stops. I even found a shop in Juneau that repaired my damaged shoe free of charge. Planning ahead using the internet for mundane needs anticipated or not will save a great deal of unnecessary expense.

Thank you so much for the tips on sight seeing on our own .We have a Cruise in Sept on Holland America, and we will use a lot of tips.😊

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear this is helpful! Have a great trip !!!

This is so awesome Gary thank you! I’m going for the first time in august!

@Controversialcruising

Жыл бұрын

You gave us so many options!!!

Thanks for all of the tips Gary! I am planning to go on an Alaska cruise next year. It will be my first time in Alaska and I am very excited. I heard the excursions are expensive but worth the money. I took notes on all of your great budget options, thank you for sharing. My question is, do you think some of the more expensive options are worth the money? I need to binge watch all of your Alaska content to absord everything. Super excited. Thanks for the video!

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Yes some are. There is another video I refer to at the end of this one that has not been released yet but is unlisted so will play clicking on the link. I talk about ones I think are worth it despite the $$$

@tomsunday

Жыл бұрын

@Tips For Travellers thank you very much Gary. I'm watching it now!

I just downloaded your ebook. Thanks a lot for providing all the info!! I am planning to take the NCL Jewel this Sept. Also, I have been watching all your videos. They are so informative. 👍👍

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Great. I hope it helps. And thanks for watching. It is much appreciated

Great video. I am never likely to go to Alaska as only cruise from Southampton. Great advice and is amazing what a fabulous time could be had for such minimal spend.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching anyway!

While not bargains, 2 things we did added value. First, hire a car in Skagway and basically follow the train route. For 2 of us it was cheaper and for 4 it would be a bargain. We also had time to drive to the start of the Chilkoot Trail and generally stopped when and where we wanted. Second, as it’s unlikely we will be in Anchorage ever again we hired a car there and spent 3 days a few hours further north. We went to the Matanuska Glacier however there are plenty of other areas to explore and stay outside of Anchorage. Much better value than just getting off the ship and going straight to the airport.

These are great tips. These excursions get pricy. The Juneau one looks great to do for sure. Thank you.

@tipsfortravellers

5 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

Love these last few videos on Alaska. We are just starting to look into booking ours for next summer and it’s so expensive and overwhelming. I just want to get it right. No pressure for me….😮😊

Fantastic, Gary! And a reminder that most of the workers you will meet at these small port villages are imported for the cruise season and not actual Alaskans. There's also McDonald's LOL! Thank you for sharing this comprehensive selection of Alaskan cruise port ideas and itineraries! 👍

I’m thinking of a Mediterranean cruise for summer 2025. Leaving from Barcelona, visiting south France, Italy, Greece and Istanbul. It seems that Princess has a very good itinerary.

Terrific & timely! We leave this Friday for a Princess Cruise Tour.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Great! Have a brilliant time!

Great information Gary. My wife and I went last September and did just walk around all the towns. We have been numerous times and just wanted to relax. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate this time. Skagway was the only decent weather of the entire trip. Still was a great trip. Also while in Skagway you can take the ferry to Haines to go to the Chilkat Eagle Preserve.

@fluffytail6355

11 ай бұрын

How far is the eagle preserve and what is the cost for entrance as well as transportation to get there?

Great info.

This is a great and much needed video. Thanks so much. I’m traveling to Alaska on the Grand Princess for 14 days. I’m not able to afford a balcony or excursions. Since we are twice in these cities, we will be able to visit these places you suggested. My regards to Marc.

@ifredpr

Жыл бұрын

I’m thinking of staying in Cairo a couple of days and go to a local very good travel agency. Want to cruise to Abu Siimbel temples. I would like a 5 days cruise on the Nile as I want to spend time in the archeological sites. What do you recommend?

@fluffytail6355

11 ай бұрын

No balcony is better than no cruise! One of my colleagues had an inside cabin (she travels solo) and is never in her room as she’s always on deck when she travels to Alaska. She said she never missed not having a balcony. As a solo traveller, I concur. However, I will be traveling this time with my husband - our first cruise together and first trip to Alaska - we splurged for a balcony so we can enjoy some alone time as well be celebrating my birthday and wedding anniversary. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on your ship as the Grand is the same one we booked!

Hey Gary! Went on the White Pass railroad last week and, WOW! You are right to say don’t miss it! But also just walked around and did the visitor’s bureau including free video.

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Great to hear!

Thanks Gary for another excellent video and suggestions. Just one thought: we hiked up Mt Roberts in Juneau early last June and there were large patches of ice/compacted snow towards the top of the trail (the lady at tourist information in the town did warn us that there was ice on the trail, so it's worth checking, particularly early in the season, that it's easily passable before setting off). We are both experienced hikers, but my wife slipped on a patch of ice and dislocated her shoulder. We continued up to the tram station over more ice (it was shorter than the return trip), where the staff were brilliant and made sure we got on the next tram down (no charge!) and the ship's doctor sorted out Elizabeth's shoulder very quickly, although she spent the rest of the cruise with her arm in a sling. So it's worth bearing in mind that it might not be a straightforward hike. Also another good reason to have travel insurance! We went back to Alaska again this year, so weren't discouraged!

@tipsfortravellers

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, really good watch out and point. But more importantly so sorry to hear about your wife's accident and good to hear it got sorted on the ship without having to head off to hospital etc..... Yikes !

@fluffytail6355

11 ай бұрын

Do you recommend lightweight hiking shoes or blundstone boots for walking around? I’m not a hiker but also don’t want to slip and hurt myself (sorry to hear about your loved one’s injury).

Thank you ❤❤

Juneau, if at the base you can't see the top tram station due to cloud/fog, you won't have great view from top!🤣 Near the Mendenhall glacier parking lot there is a small path where we saw a bear. Worth asking a ranger if there are any sightings.

Oh doh. Could have done with seeing this about a month ago! :D We fly on Thursday and all booked up I think, but these look awesome! The waterfalls and Mendenhall glacier in particular! Wondering if we've got any space on the schedule left now...! Really wanted to go to the Lumberjack show, but we've got trips booked over the top of it :( Gutted! Thanks though Gary, your advice has been invaluable for this trip!